Washington state boasts over 150 solar companies and counting. With declining solar installation costs and supportive policies, more Washington households are choosing to go solar every year. In fact, the state added over 286 megawatts (MW) of new solar capacity in 2022 alone.
But with so many options to choose from, identifying the best solar company for your home can feel overwhelming. Based on solar incentives, policies, and growth trends specific to Washington, I’ve compiled this definitive list of the top solar installers to help homeowners navigate the process.
Why Go Solar in Washington?
While not the sunniest state, Washington still sees solar success with around 3.57 hours of daily peak sunlight on average. Combined with solar-friendly incentives and electricity rates, solar panels in WA can still slash utility bills over time.
Homeowners switching to solar can benefit from:
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Federal Tax Credit – 26% credit in 2023, 22% in 2024. Can save $4,000+ on a typical system.
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WA Sales Tax Exemption – Saves another 9% on solar installation costs.
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Net Metering – Get credit from your utility for excess power sent back to the grid.
With the right installer leveraging these incentives, Washington households can lock in lower, fixed rates for solar electricity for decades while adding value to their home.
When vetting installers, here are a few must-have features to look for:
- Local Experience – Understanding of WA building codes, permitting, utilities, solar policy/incentives
- System Design – Ability to tailor panel tilt, direction to maximize WA’s available sunlight
- Quality Equipment – High-efficiency solar modules/inverters matched to your home’s needs
- Reliable Service – Strong record of customer satisfaction and post-install support
- Fair Contract Terms – Flexible financing options, project transparency, exit strategy
The top solar companies in this list checked all those boxes for Washington homeowners.
The 6 Best Solar Companies Powering WA Homes
Based on solar credentials, customer reviews, local expertise, system quality, and service, here are my top 6 picks:
1. Sunergy Systems
As a WA-based, employee-owned company since 2005, Sunergy Systems leverages extensive knowledge of our solar landscape. They handle the full process in-house – assessment, permit filing, installation, even post-install maintenance.
Sunergy exclusively uses premium equipment from REC, Silfab Solar, and SunPower matched to each home‘s specifications. Their SolarClad Warranty provides 10 years coverage for workmanship defects and full system replacement if output falls below promised levels.
Flexible payment plans allow homeowners to buy systems outright or finance through solar loans with terms as long as 20 years.
Key Strengths
- One-stop customized solar solution
- Strong equipment partnerships
- Comprehensive workmanship + production guarantees
2. Blossom Solar
Blossom Solar aims to educate Washingtonians on the benefits of solar through free consultations with their experts. Their online portal allows customers to track project timelines and system performance post-install.
Blossom Solar handles commercial solar projects as well, working with developers early on to pre-wire buildings for future solar.
They offer transparent pricing with solar loans or cash purchase options. Excellent customer service continues post-sale.
Key Strengths
- Education and advising role
- Commercial solar experience
- Project transparency and customer communication
3. Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar brings solar to several regions in WA including Everett, Redmond, Spokane and Tacoma. Their BluePower Plus+ financing plan allows $0 down and 18 months no payments after install.
All installers are trained and certified. Each system ships with 25-year equipment and 10-year workmanship warranties, protecting your investment. Reviews confirm excellent end-to-end customer service.
Key Strengths
- Broad WA coverage
- Generous financing options
- Strong warranties + certified installers
4. Pro-Stat Solar
Veteran and first responder-owned, Pro-Stat Solar is a trusted name for quality solar installations in WA. Their installers hold advanced NABCEP certification.
Solar loans offered in partnership with EnerBank USA and PSCCU allow flexible repayment up to 20 years. Military, veterans and first responders also get a $1000 discount.
Each system installed by Pro-Stat Solar is protected for 25 years against defects. Choose them for pain-free solar with premium components.
Key Strengths
- Advanced installer certification
- Discount solar loans
- 25-year workmanship warranty
5. Fire Mountain Solar
Since 2001, Fire Mountain Solar has provided solar power solutions tailored specifically for WA state. They offer not just installations but also DIY solar support, system maintenance, even technical advising.
Customers can mix-and-match from their catalog of solar modules, batteries, racks and other components. Use their experts to design an optimal off-grid or grid-tied system meeting your household’s needs.
Warranty coverage varies by equipment brand – be sure to review policies before purchase.
Key Strengths
- Wealth of solar design expertise
- DIY solar option
- Pick ideal components for custom off-grid or grid-tied system
6. A&R Solar
With 4,000+ installs under their belt since 2007, A&R Solar knows WA solar inside-out. As a certified B Corporation meeting stringent standards for social/environmental performance, transparency and accountability, A&R Solar does solar right.
Their Perfect 10 Guarantee provides free repairs for workmanship issues over 10 years. NABCEP-certified experts also tailor solar EV chargers to seamlessly power electric vehicles.
Key Strengths
- B Corp certified for transparency and sustainability practices
- 10 years coverage for installation defects
- Custom solar EV chargers
Finding Your Match Made in Solar
While everyone listed here excels at WA solar, you may align better with a particular installer’s strengths or service style. Reach out for custom quotes while comparing communication, transparency upfront about project timelines and costs, and financing terms that work for your household.
Leverage available incentives, involve all decision-makers at home, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Rushing into solar rarely pays off.
With the right solar partner powering your unique energy needs, going solar can provide decades of reliable, clean electricity and savings you can bank on.
| Solar Company | Background | Strengths | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunergy Systems | Since 2005, employee-owned | One-stop installs, premium equipment, production guarantee | Greater Seattle, Kitsap County |
| Blossom Solar | Free solar education resources | Solar advising, project transparency, commercial experience | Statewide |
| Blue Raven | Broad WA presence | Generous financing, certified installers, strong warranties | Everett, Redmond, Spokane, Tacoma |
| Pro-Stat Solar | Veteran-owned, premium installs | NABCEP experts, discount loans, 25-year labor warranty | Statewide |
| Fire Mountain | Since 2001, custom systems | Design expertise, DIY option, flex component choices | Statewide |
| A&R Solar | 4,000+ installs since 2007 | B Corp certified for transparency, Perfect 10 labor warranty | Statewide |
Solar in WA: Key Questions Answered
How much does solar cost in Washington?
The rough cost to install solar in WA falls between $2.75 – $3.50 per watt depending on system size, components chosen, roof factors, and installer. A typical 6 kW system runs $17,000 pre-incentive. After the 26% Federal Tax Credit and WA sales tax break, out-of-pocket drops closer to $12,000.
What are the payback periods for solar panels in WA?
How quickly solar pays for itself depends on system cost, electricity rates, solar policy incentives and production. With optimal conditions, WA solar systems can break even in 7-11 years. From that point forward, solar customers enjoy free energy from the sun.
What are the best solar panels for WA?
For our climate, mono and polycrystalline silicon panels tend to perform best. Compared to thin film, these solar modules offer higher efficiency conversion meaning more energy output per square foot.
With space often limited for residential solar, opting for premium HIGH-EFFICIENCY MONOCRYSTALLINE OR POLYCRYSTALLINE PANELS ensures you maximize solar production year-round even with our overcast skies.
What are the solar incentives, rebates and tax breaks in WA?
- Federal Solar Tax Credit – 26% of system cost in 2023, 22% in 2024 then 0%. No cap.
- WA Sales Tax Exemption – 100% of sales tax waived on solar installation. Saves approximately 9%.
- WA Net Metering – Utility pays retail electric rates for excess solar energy sent to grid.
How long do solar panels last in Washington?
Today‘s solar equipment withstands harsh weather elements well. Properly maintained solar systems continue generating 80% or more of original output after 25 YEARS in WA. Solar panel warranties typically guarantee at least 80% production at 25 years to give confidence in long-term returns.
Let the Sun Power Your Savings
As a solar consultant born and based in Washington for over 15 years, I can personally vouch for each of these fine local companies delivering solar success to homeowners like you.
Reach out with any questions – I‘m always happy to discuss the ins and outs of transitioning your household to low-cost, clean solar energy for the long run.
Here’s to many sunny days ahead going solar with the right WA installer at your side!
